• Tariffs, Rates & Toronto GTA Housing: Buy or Wait?
    Apr 10 2025

    🎯 How Global Tariffs Could Hit Your Wallet in the Toronto GTA Housing Market 🏠💰

    Are you a homebuyer, seller, or just curious about the future of the Toronto GTA real estate market? In this episode, we break down how rising tariffs and global economic uncertainty are quietly shaking up the GTA housing landscape—and what it means for your next move.

    📉

    From construction costs to market hesitation, we're covering:

    • Why higher material tariffs could slow down new builds

    • The ripple effects on housing supply and affordability

    • How consumer confidence is being tested in today’s unpredictable market

    • The challenges builders and developers face—and why it matters to YOU

    🏡 Whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or sitting tight, this episode delivers the key insights you need to navigate an increasingly complex market.

    🔔 Subscribe for more weekly breakdowns of what's really moving the Toronto housing market.
    ____
    🏡 Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or just trying to make sense of it all—this is the insight you’ve been waiting for.

    📞 Need personalized advice? Contact our local experts below:

    📍 Evelyn Lopes – Caledon/Orangeville/Erin? Halton Hills

    📲 905-965-5902 | iPro Realty

    📍 Ruth Ballantyne – Brampton/Mississauga

    📲 416-779-8732 | Remax Realty Services

    📍 Craig & Colleen Bush – Hamilton/Niagara/Ancaster

    📲 905-308-1877 | Re/Max Escarpment
    ______

    #TorontoRealEstate #Tariffs #HousingMarketUpdate #GTAHomes #HomeBuyers #CanadaEconomy #RealEstateNews

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    28 mins
  • TIPS for BUYING YOUR FIRST HOUSE
    Oct 16 2024
    Tips You Need to Know When Buying Your First House in Ontario

    Welcome to another episode of Realty Bytes: Conversations on Real Estate and Lifestyle! In this episode, host Evelyn Lopes sits down with GTA real estate experts Ruth Ballantyne, and Craig and Coleen Bush, for an in-depth discussion on everything first-time home buyers need to know when purchasing a home in Ontario.

    Episode Highlights:

    Understanding the Financing Process

    • Breaking down mortgage options for first-time buyers.
    • Tips for improving your credit score and securing the best rates.
    • How much you really need for a down payment in Ontario.

    Government Incentives & Programs

    • An overview of Ontario’s first-time home buyer programs and incentives.
    • How to access grants and tax credits to save money when buying your first home.
    • Key benefits of the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) and Land Transfer Tax Rebates.

    Evaluating a Good Home & Good Value

    • What makes a property a smart investment.
    • Tips on assessing the location, market conditions, and long-term value.
    • How to conduct thorough inspections and identify red flags.

    Mastering the Negotiation Process

    • Proven strategies for negotiating the best price.
    • Understanding the importance of a competitive market analysis (CMA).
    • Navigating bidding wars and managing emotions during the negotiation process.

    Final Tips for First-Time Buyers

    • Key mistakes to avoid when buying your first home.
    • The importance of building a trusted team: realtor, mortgage broker, and lawyer.
    • Actionable advice to confidently make your first home purchase.

    Whether you're just starting to consider buying a home or actively searching for your first property, this episode is packed with valuable insights to set you on the right path.

    🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward owning your dream home. Remember to subscribe for more episodes and book a discovery call for personalized advice and support!

    CONTRIBUTORS:
    Evelyn Lopes | The Evelyn Lopes Realty Team | iPro Realty Brokerage
    905-965-5902
    evelyn@evelynlopes.com

    Ruth Ballantyne | The Ballantyne Team | Re/Max Realty Services
    416-779-8732
    ruth@ruthballantyne.com

    Coleen and Craig Bush | Bush Realty Team | Re/Max Escarpment
    905-308-1877 | 905-520-2433
    info@bushrealtysystems.com

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    37 mins
  • The BENEFITS of YOGA
    Oct 2 2024

    In this episode of Realty Bytes: Conversations on Real Estate and Lifestyle, we shift gears to focus on wellness and self-care during life’s hectic moments.

    Key Highlights:

    • Host Evelyn Lopes is joined by certified yoga instructor Sarah Wells from Sarah Wells Be Well.
    • The discussion covers the benefits of yoga for stress relief, mental clarity, and maintaining balance.
    • Practical tips for incorporating yoga into your daily routine, whether you're going through a move or managing day-to-day responsibilities.
    • How yoga can help you stay grounded during the home buying or selling process.
    • Insights on the connection between mindfulness and a peaceful living environment.
    • Types of Yoga poses for relaxation, strength and flexibility
    • Yoga and meditation
    • Yoga and breathe work

    Guest:

    • Sarah Wells, a certified yoga instructor, with Sarah Wells Be Well, shares her expertise on how yoga can transform your mental and physical well-being.

    Make sure to listen to the full episode for actionable tips on how to bring more calm and focus into your life through yoga. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review if you found this episode helpful

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    34 mins
  • How to Buy a House in Ontario & The Toronto GTA | Money Talk
    Sep 18 2024

    Wondering how to buy a house in Canada? Specifically, how to buy a house in Ontario and the Toronto GTA Real Estate Market?

    If you're a first-time home buyer or it's been a while since you last invested in real estate, this episode is for you.

    Ever asked, "how much money do I need to buy a home?" or "Can I buy with no money down?"

    Curious about your home buying power and the costs of buying a home?

    Are you wondering if there are any programs available to help you get into the real estate market? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you will want to listen in on my conversation with mortgage specialist Christine Baumber.

    Today, we’ll cover the entire home buying process in Canada, from deposits to down payments, and the difference between mortgage pre-approvals and mortgage approvals- is there a difference?

    We'll explain how your credit score impacts your ability to buy a home, what type of credit score you need and how to maintain and increase the credit score you have.

    Wondering about the stress test, mortgage insurance, including what it is, who needs it, and how much it costs, we have you covered.

    If you are looking for first-time home buyer tips and mortgage advice on the home buying process you’re in the right place.

    Get your free copy of the Home Buyers Guide! Visit :https://bit.ly/47dUy2D

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    42 mins
  • MORTGAGE MARKET UPDATE | Real Estate Choices
    Sep 4 2024

    In this episode of Realty Bytes: Conversations on Real Estate and Lifestyle, host Evelyn Lopes welcomes back Karina Murphy, a knowledgeable real estate mortgage consultant from Premier Mortgages. As summer winds down and the fourth quarter approaches, many are asking, "Is now the right time to buy a home?"

    Listen is as they share their insights on the current state of the real estate market, highlighting increased inventory and decreasing interest rates. They explain that it’s currently a buyer's market, with more flexibility in negotiations, including the ability to add conditions to offers—a stark contrast to the competitive seller’s market of 2021 and 2022.

    The discussion also touches on the challenges of timing the market, the importance of preparing financially, and the different mortgage options available. Karina emphasizes that the best time to buy is when it’s right for you, considering your financial situation, motivation, and long-term goals.

    Evelyn and Karina also discuss the nuances of fixed vs. variable rate mortgages and the importance of working with a mortgage professional to navigate these decisions. As the episode concludes, Karina encourages listeners to start their homebuying journey early, even if they’re not ready to purchase immediately, to ensure they are well-prepared financially when the time comes.

    Listeners are invited to reach out to Karina and Evelyn for a personalized consultation to explore their options in this evolving market. All contact details are provided in the show notes.

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    27 mins
  • Top 11 Must-Do Activities in Caledon | Summer- Fall Activities
    Aug 21 2024

    In this episode of Realty Bytes- Conversations on Real Estate and Lifestyle, we dive into the best ways to enjoy the final days of summer in Caledon. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, Caledon offers a wealth of experiences that you won’t want to miss before the season ends.

    Join me as I guide you through must-visit spots like the iconic Cheltenham Badlands, the serene Glen Haffy Conservation Area, and the extensive network of Caledon’s Trailways. We’ll also explore the flavors of the region with stops at local Farmers’ Markets, diverse restaurants, and hidden gem vineyards for a delightful wine and cider tasting tour.

    From outdoor adventures like camping at Albion Hills to relaxing picnics in scenic parks and golfing on beautiful courses, this episode has something for everyone. Plus, we’ll delve into the vibrant cultural scene at the Alton Mill Arts Centre and wrap up with a luxurious spa retreat at the Millcroft Inn & Spa.

    Tune in to discover how you can make the most of what’s left of summer and into fall here in beautiful Caledon. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this episode is packed with tips to ensure your summer ends on a high note.

    Don’t miss out—listen now and start planning your next Caledon adventure!

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    11 mins
  • Exploring TINY HOMES | Living LARGE in a small space
    Jul 31 2024

    Welcome to another episode of Realty Bytes Conversations on Real Estate and Lifestyle, where we dive into the latest trends, insights, and stories from the real estate world, with your host, Evelyn Lopes.

    Have you ever wondered about the tiny home movement and the logistics of living in a tiny home? If you're like me, you're probably curious and have a ton of burning questions: What are tiny homes? How big are tiny homes? How can they be used? Where can I put my tiny house? How much does a tiny home cost? What are the pros and cons of living in a tiny home? Should I build or buy? Does the province of Ontario allow tiny homes? And what is it really like to live in a tiny home? There are so many questions.

    In today's podcast, we have a fascinating discussion lined up for you, where we will be answering your tiny home questions.

    We're joined by Aura Poddar and Wendy Woolcox of Habitat 28. They'll share their expertise and experiences, giving you an inside look at the tiny home movement and answering our burning questions.

    So, grab a coffee and join us as we explore the possibilities and insights of living big in a tiny house.

    For more information you can check out or BLOG at https://www.realtybytes.ca/blog

    EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS
    Aura Poddar

    O: 905-693-0028
    C: 647-866-1454
    Habitat28.com
    aura@habitat28.com

    Wendy Woolcox
    C: 519-496-8352
    Habitat28.com
    WendyWoolcox@gmail.com

    Evelyn Lopes | The Evelyn Lopes Realty Team | iPro Realty Brokerage
    905-965-5902
    evelyn@evelynlopes.com

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    44 mins
  • HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MOVE
    Jul 10 2024

    Welcome to "Realty Bytes - Conversations in Real Estate and Lifestyle."

    In this episode, we address the stress and challenges of moving.

    Our special guest, Davian Wright, a relocation consultant from AMJ Campbell, shares his expertise.

    Topics covered include:

    • Finding a trustworthy moving company.
    • Protecting fragile items during transit.
    • Managing costs and avoiding hidden fees.
    • Practical tips for a smooth, stress-free move.

    Tune in to gain valuable insights and make your next move with confidence.

    Don't miss out on this essential advice for anyone planning a move!
    For more information you can check out or BLOG at https://www.realtybytes.ca/blog

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    24 mins